The FINANCIAL — Mazda Motor Corporation on November 10 announced that it will start taking orders for the Mazda Roadster RF (retractable fastback), which is known as MX-5 RF overseas.
Based on the Roadster compact open-top sports car, the new model is equipped with a power retractable hardtop roof. It will go on sale on Dec. 22 at Mazda dealerships throughout Japan.
While remaining true to its desire to make the pleasures of a convertible more accessible with the Roadster Power Retractable Hardtop, Mazda took the car one step further, adding an innovative design and a retractable hardtop that can be opened and closed with ease.
The Roadster RF features fastback styling with a smooth roofline that curves down to the rear end, and its unique rear roof and retractable back window offer a new open-air feeling. The roof opens and closes in a beautifully choreographed sequence and requires only the flip of a switch. Stowing the roof efficiently in the limited space available enables the Roadster RF to offer almost the same trunk space as the soft-top model, according to Mazda.
The precisely crafted interior aims to create a cabin space that conveys a sense of quality. The VS model grade features high-quality auburn-colored Nappa leather upholstery for a mature and sophisticated atmosphere.
The Roadster RF is powered by the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine. With greater displacement than the engine in the soft-top in Japan, it realizes lithe and refined driving performance that matches the model’s design. The RS model grade offers even more driving fun with a manufacturer-installed option set that includes exclusive seats and Brembo brakes.
“Inheriting the Jinba-ittai feel from the first model, the Roadster has preserved the pleasure of open-top driving and shared that joy with fans for over 27 years,” said Masamichi Kogai, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO. “Now we welcome a new addition to the Roadster family: the Roadster RF. I’m certain this model, with its gorgeous lines and easy-to-operate electric hardtop, will help us introduce the joy of open-top driving to an even wider range of customers. At Mazda, we’ll continue our efforts to enrich people’s lives through various touchpoints – including this new Roadster RF – and become a one-and-only brand our customers will choose again and again.”
Mazda Roadster RF Product Overview
Beautiful fastback styling that resonates with car lovers
Unprecedented exterior styling
When closed, the roof slopes down to the rear in the characteristic fastback style and creates a stunning silhouette.
When open, the remaining rear roof creates a unique look and together with the back window, which opens as the roof is lowered, produces an new open-air feel.
A piano black roof that highlights the beauty of the roof line is available with a manufacturer-installed option set on the VS model grade.
The 17-inch chrome-finished aluminum wheels feature a sophisticated design with eight spokes painted in piano black.
The body color lineup consists of six colors to highlight the MX-5 RF’s unique styling.
Precision-crafted, high-quality interior
The interior and exterior designs have been integrated to heighten the open-air feel with the top down. The creative interior design is the same as that of the soft-top model.
Soft Nappa leather that emphasizes quality is used for the seat upholstery on the VS model grade. The auburn-colored Nappa leather seats enhance the interior’s relaxing and sophisticated ambience.
The RS model grade features seats jointly developed with RECARO. Based on the black Alcantara®*1 seats popular in the soft-top model, they also feature Nappa leather with red accents.
Quiet, comfortable cabin
New power retractable roof for more driving pleasure with the top open or closed
The roof can be opened or closed by a simple flip of switch. Synchronizing and overlapping the various movements of the roof sections, enables MX-5 RF to achieve an opening/closing time of approximately 13 seconds, the fastest of any retractable hardtop on the market.*2
An animation shown while opening and closing allows the driver to check the status of the roof in the meter display.
Quiet cabin with a relaxed feeling
Technologies to absorb and shut out sound keep the cabin as quiet as an ordinary passenger vehicle when the top is closed.
Noise when the top is down is cut by reducing the wind around the driver and passengers.
Trunk separate from the passenger compartment retained since the original MX-5
The trunk’s capacity of 127 liters is almost exactly the same as that of the soft-top MX-5. It can accommodate two carry-on bags (within 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm).
A multi-purpose box in the trunk can be used to store tools and other items.
Smooth, relaxed driving performance
The MX-5 RF features the specially tuned SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine designed for relaxed performance even at high speeds or under heavy load.
Responsive and secure, the braking system features 15-inch ventilated disc brakes in the front and 15-inch solid brakes in the rear.
Brembo brakes (available as part of manufacturer-installed option set on the RS model grade) provide a rigid and stable feel as well as excellent control in the high G-force load range.
The soft-top model’s double-wishbone and multilink suspension, in the front and rear respectively, have been tuned for a smooth, quality ride that befits a hardtop.
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